Cameroon Breaks Silence on Saint Désir Atango: Incest, Rape, and a Daughter’s Cry for Justice

“He raped me in front of my daughter. He beat me with electrical wires. I have scars all over my body… and for years, nobody believed me.”
— Testimony of one of Saint Désir Atango’s daughters, now cooperating with authorities

THE TESTIMONY THAT CHANGED THE CASE

For weeks, Cameroon held its breath. Whispers of incest, rape, and unspeakable family abuse swirled around musician Saint Désir Atango, a once-popular artist now disgraced by mounting allegations of sexual violence against his own daughters.

Now, for the first time, one of his daughters has come forward, breaking years of silence and trauma. In a harrowing sworn statement, she details repeated acts of rape, physical abuse, and psychological torment at the hands of her father — including one incident in which he allegedly raped her in front of her 7-year-old daughter.

“He called me into his bedroom while I was playing with my child. When I refused, he threw me to the ground, punched me, and raped me… my daughter was watching. I’ve lived in hell for years,” she said.

This explosive testimony has triggered a full-scale criminal reactivation of the case.

 ARTICLE 360 & 361: THE LAW SPEAKS AT LAST

Under Article 360 of the Cameroonian Penal Code, incest involving ascendants and descendants is a crime punishable by 1 to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 500,000 CFA francs. However, prosecutions cannot proceed unless a blood relative files a formal complaint.

Until this week, that complaint had not come — in part due to fear, family pressure, and alleged threats. But now, with the daughter’s sworn deposition, the legal barrier is broken.

“This testimony unlocks the entire case. The law is clear: with a complaint filed by a direct relative, full prosecution is possible. Atango could now face serious prison time,” said a Douala-based legal analyst.

MINPROFF CONDEMNS THE CRIME: “A PURE VIOLATION OF OUR VALUES”

In a strongly-worded press release dated June 3, 2025, Minister Abena Ondoa, head of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family (MINPROFF), publicly condemned the alleged acts by Atango as:

“A pure violation of Article 361 of the Cameroonian Penal Code and a direct attack on the dignity and protection of young girls.”

The ministry’s communiqué, seen by Cameroon Concord, emphasizes:

• Solidarity with all victims of incest;

• A renewed national campaign to encourage survivors to speak out;

• A call to reinforce family protection laws;

• And unwavering support from the Head of State to eradicate incest and related abuse.

 A NATION REACTS: ONLINE FURY, LEGAL PRESSURE, AND PUBLIC DISGUST

The revelations have sparked an unprecedented online and offline mobilization. Civil society groups, religious leaders, and public figures have rallied behind the whistleblower. The hashtag #JusticeForAtangoVictims has gone viral on social media, especially among Cameroon’s diaspora.

“This is bigger than one man. This is about every silent victim in every family,” said a women’s rights activist in Yaoundé.

Atango’s legal defense team has reportedly struggled to find representation. Multiple lawyers at the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Mfou refused to take his case — calling it “morally indefensible.”

THE ROAD AHEAD: PRISON, PROSECUTION, AND PUBLIC EYES

Saint Désir Atango remains under a judicial detention warrant at Mfou Central Prison. With his daughter’s testimony now officially logged, the Public Prosecutor is preparing formal charges.

Atango could face multiple counts of incest, rape, and child endangerment — potentially drawing enhanced sentences due to the presence of minors during the abuse.

Meanwhile, the survivor is under protective care, supported by legal and psychological aid groups.

 CALL TO ACTION: CAMEROON AT A CROSSROADS

The case of Saint Désir Atango is more than one man’s crimes. It is a national reckoning.

It asks us:

• How many victims have suffered in silence?

• Why must victims wait to prove they were hurt before being heard?

• And when will the law be reformed to prosecute incest without requiring a victim’s complaint?

As the walls close in on Atango, Cameroon Concord will continue to report relentlessly — not to sensationalize tragedy, but to ensure justice is served.

Because silence kills. But truth saves.

Coming Next:

• Who Is Saint Désir Atango? A Deep Dive into the Fall of a Music Star

• The Daughter Who Spoke: Exclusive Interview (Pending Family Clearance)

• Legal Reform or Band-Aid Justice? What Article 360 Needs Now

Editor’s Note:
This report contains distressing content. Cameroon Concord publishes this story in the public interest, to expose alleged criminal conduct, amplify survivor voices, and hold power to acc